LAPD Using High-Definition Aerial Surveillance Camera

Photonics.comAug 2005
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 -- Cineflex LLC, a design, engineering and manufacturing company specializing in motion-control, gyro-stabilized camera systems for aviation, broadcast television, motion picture production and other applications, announced that the air support division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has deployed its Cineflex V14 HiDEF high-definition (HD) aerial imaging system for the unit's airborne law enforcement missions.
Designed to supply federal, state and local law enforcement agencies with the imaging necessary to support all aspects of their homeland security missions, Cineflex systems deliver images three times more detailed than standard definition quality. According to the company, the camera is able to conduct surveillance missions from much higher altitudes and greater standoff distances than previously possible.

With its long-lens technology and HD resolution camera containing over 2 million pixels (1920 x 1080 lines of resolution), the camera allows users to covertly surveil suspects from thousands of feet up. Even at focal lengths greater than 1100 mm, the image remains steady and clear enough for aircrews to determine, for example, whether a suspect is holding a handgun or cell phone.

The camera is part of the suite of aerial surveillance systems being offered by partner company Helinet Aviation Services, a provider of helicopter flight service solutions to law enforcement and homeland security organizations with image-gathering needs.

The Cineflex camera, shown here mounted to the front and underneath of a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter, is gyro-stablized and provides images 2 million pixels in clarity. The V14 HiDEF can be equipped with an encrypted, digital microwave downlink system that allows ground personnel to view the HD images in real time. Delivered to either a mobile or fixed command center, this solution incorporates automated, GPS-guided antenna tracking to provide live HD feeds with ranges over 100 miles from a helicopter and even further on fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and lighter-than-air ships that offer higher standoff altitudes. Cineflex systems are available with single and multipayload sensors with broadcast video, HD video, film, low-light, infrared and laser range finders. The company also integrates a range of optics, including fixed fields of view to high magnification zoom lenses with motorized 2X extenders.

The camera has been used by the Las Vegas Police Department for aerial surveillance during the most recent New Year's celebration, as well as by networks during sports events. It is also currently in use by other law enforcement agencies for surveillance missions.